The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has introduced new regulations for offshore drillers in the U.S., allowing them to operate at extreme underwater pressures and access vast untapped oil reserves. These regulations aim to enhance safety and clarity in the industry as operators shift towards deepwater assets for lower costs and emissions.
Trident Energy, Panoro Energy, and Kosmos Energy terminated the contract for the Island Innovator semi-submersible oil rig over alleged safety concerns. The joint venture began a drilling campaign in January, but Panoro claimed the rig was unable to drill safely. Island Drilling defended the rig’s safety record and is considering legal action.
Offshore drilling company Diamond Offshore Drilling has confirmed an equipment failure on its semi-submersible platform Ocean GreatWhite in the United Kingdom. The incident occurred on February 1, 2024, during a contract with BP approximately 200 km west of the Shetland Islands. Diamond Offshore is working on recovery efforts and equipment replacement.
